On 12.09.2025, we will mark our commitment to introducing the legacy of Louis I. Kahn with an international seminar and exhibition in Kuressaare. The event will also feature a presentation of the Estonian translation of "Louis I. Kahn. Nordic Latitudes" by Per Olaf Fjeld and Emily Randall Fjeld.
The event summarizes the results of the international cooperation project "Estonian - Norwegian Cooperation Towards a Sustainable Architectural Education and Diverse Creative Output" that took place in 2022-2025, which was funded by the Norwegian EEA funds through RTK.

A meaningful day in Kuressaare is divided into three parts:
  1. 12.09.2025 at 11.00 International conference in Kuressaare Town Hall, which focuses on the idea of ​​establishing a Louis Kahn Center in Saaremaa, opening, among other things, Kahn's background and connections with Saaremaa
  2. Presentation of the Estonian edition of the book "Louis I.Kahn. Põhjamaised laotused"
  3. Opening of the exhibition "Beginnings. Algused" at Kuressaare Castle at 18.15.



PROGRAM

Part I 11.00 - 13.10
10.30 – 11.00 Welcome coffee and gathering
11.00 – 11.15 Opening remarks and introduction to the agenda. Opening remarks: Ingrid Mald (Louis Kahn Estonian Foundation), introduction: Valmar Kass (Louis Kahn Estonian Foundation)
11.15 – 11.35 Kristjan Järvi (Louis Kahn Estonian Foundation)
11.35 – 12.15 Carl-Dag Lige: "The Culture of Building. Komendant's Lessons" (Estonian Art Academy)
12.15 – 12.35 Anu Kivilo: "Arvo Pärt Centre: An open meeting place for creativity" (Arvo Pärt Centre)
12.35 – 13.10 Book presentation: “Louis I. Kahn. Põhjamaised laotused” (eng. “Louis I. Kahn: Nordic Latitudes”). Introduction to the Estonian edition of the book. Pre-order HERE. The content of the work sheds light on Kahn's close communication with the most famous architects of the Scandinavian countries at the time, his teaching methods, his understanding of the nature of architecture, and also Kahn's origin in Saaremaa. What makes the book exciting for Estonian readers is the author's glimpse into the history of architecture in the 60s and 70s through human relationships.
Authors: Per Olaf Fjeld and Emily Randall Fjeld, editor and translator: Mart Meri

End of Part I

Part II at 14.00 - 18.00
14.00 – 14.10 Opening remarks: Valmar Kass ( Louis Kahn Estonian Foundation )
14.10 – 14.45 Katherine Naess: "59 degrees of latitude journeys: AHO Oslo student work and research on light". The architect and lecturer will introduce the meaning of Nordic light and shadow in public space by examining the works of AHO students.
14.45 – 15.20 Roger Boltshauser: "ETH Zurich: A student dialogue with the legacy of Kahn". Architect and ETH Zurich professor Robert Boltshauser will introduce the students' works, which focused on the material, its sensitivity and the timeless value of architecture.
15.20 – 15.45 Emil Urbel: "TalTech's contribution to creating the vision of the Louis Kahn Center". TalTech lecturer Emil Urbel will introduce TalTech's work in creating the vision of the Louis Kahn Center.

15.45 – 16.00 Coffee break

16.00 - 17.00 Panel discussion: How to make the Louis Kahn Center a reality? A discussion group on developing education, community and international cooperation with the aim of making the Kahn Center a reality. Participants: Roger Boltshauser (ETH Zurich), Katherine Naess (AHO Oslo), Emil Urbel (TalTech), representative of Saaremaa municipality (to be specified), Louis Kahn Estonian Foundation (to be specified)

Exhibition opening at Kuressaare Bishop's Castle.
18.00 – 18.15 Gathering
18.15 Short speeches: Exhibition curator Marc Fischer (Zurich), representatives of partner universities (ETH Zurich, AHO Oslo, TalTech) NB! The exact program and final speakers are being finalized.
The exhibition opening at Kuressaare Bishop's Castle is free of charge!

Participation in the seminar:1. Price: €60.- ORDER!
2. Discounted admission (pensioner, student): €45.- ORDER!

Book "Louis I. Kahn: Nordic Latitudes" and admission to the seminar:
1. Book and seminar: €100.- ORDER!

Supporter's passes: Book "Nordic Latitudes ", seminar and gala dinner with speakers and lecturers:
1. Seminar, book and dinner for one: €185.- ORDER!
2. Supporter's package for two: 2 seminar passes, 2 books, 2 dinner invitations: €500.- ORDER!
The gala dinner will take place at the Kuressaare GOSPA restaurant. Information will be updated.



PARTNERS

Introduction of the universities participating in the project:
  1. AHO, The School of Architecture and Design in Oslo, Institute of Architecture https://www.aho.no/english/; AHO is a well-known architectural education institution in Norway and Scandinavia, with Louis I. Kahn's student Per Olaf Fjeld as its long-standing rector.
  2. ETH Zurich, Department of Architecture https://ethz.ch/en.html; ETH Zurich is one of the most prominent and innovative universities in continental Europe, with Albert Einstein among its alumni. The project is led by Prof. Roger Boltshauser from ETH Zurich.
  3. TalTech, Tallinn University of Technology, The Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Academy of Architecture and Urban Studies.
Student sample works:
  1. TalTech: https://www.instagram.com/p/DE45ryNshHf/
  2. ETH Zurich https://works.arch.ethz.ch/faculty/roger-boltshausers



SUPPORTERS